Volume 111, December 29, 2009
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
PART ONE:
EDITORIAL:
WOULD HAVING ISLAMIC SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION HELP THE GLOBAL UMMAH? A CLINICAL-ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
(topnews.in.com)
There is too much violence and bloodshed going on among Muslims. There is no short supply of news headlines each morning attesting to the above fact. First category are the Muslims who kill other Muslims as we regularly see in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Pakistan, Yemen et.c. Second category is the Muslims who kill non-Muslims.
One of the ROOT CAUSES for above violence is lack of PEACEFUL CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS that could be applied when confronted with DIFFERENCE OF OPINION whether it is at individual, marital (husband-wife), family (Parent-child), sectarian (shia-sunni), ethnic (Sindhis Vs Punjabis Vs Baluchis Vs Muhajareen in Pakistan), cultural (Islam Vs West) or at a national level (Iran). Even if a fraction of the billions of dollars was spend on focusing on conflict resolution skills/strategies/techniques, the world would be a more peaceful place today with reduced armed conflict/violence/bloodshed/deaths, last but not the least victims.
Three explosive belts are put on display in the garden of a home where they were found in the Jamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad. A pre-Christmas attack on a church killed two people in the Iraqi city of Mosul Wednesday while a Sunni Arab candidate died in a bombing in Fallujah, the first such murder ahead of March polls. (AFP/Amar Karim)
The world should move away from MIGHT IS RIGHT to “REASON RESULTING IN PEACE” IS RIGHT. The helpless and desperate should learn alternative conflict resolution skills rather than focus on actions that involve killing of innocents.
www.nydailynews.com(pakistan bombing kills)HUMAN BEINGS CLAIM TO BE FAR SUPERIOR TO OTHER ANIMALS BASED ON THEIR INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES. Unfortunately when it comes to conflict, no fight between animals including dog fights could be as deadly and ferocious as fights between humans. The recent cancerous wave of suicide bombings is a case in point where the anger against the perceived enemy has boiled to a point that has numbed and anesthetized the emotional aspects of empathy in terms the resulting human suffering, death, loss of limbs and an array of other physical and mental disabilities. The question of INNOCENT men, women and children who become the victims does not even register in their destructive plans to avenge their perceived enemy.
Reading different media sources, generally you don’t tend to see any HOPE for the terrible violence calming itself down. It tends to only escalate further. The extremists from all sides are only adding FUEL TO THE FIRE. The moderates from all religions, ethnicity's, cultures and races who are essentially the majority are basically SILENT SPECTATORS.
How many of you have seriously thought about what is missing in this whole picture of graphic violence – suicide bombings, killings of innocents, destruction of property et.c.
POSSIBLE DEFICIT OF SKILLS RELATING TO
PEACEFUL RESOLUTION
OF CONFLICT:
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED AS TO WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF SUCH CONFLICTS ENDING IN BLOODSHED?
A man sat in a hospital morgue near Islamabad beside the body of his brother, who was killed yesterday during a suicide bombing near Pakistan military headquarters. (Faisal Mahmood/ Reuters) By Ashraf Khan (boston.com)
COULD IT BE AN INAPPROPRIATE, ANTI-ISLAMIC, PERVERTED RESPONSE TO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TWO CONFLICTING PARTIES, SAY FOR EXAMPLE BETWEEN THE SHIAS AND THE SUNNIS?
COULD THERE BE MORE PEACEFUL, HEALTHIER WAYS TO RESPOND TO DIFFERENCES & CONFLICTS BETWEEN TWO GROUPS?
Sajjad/AP. People rush to the site of a suicide bombing to help victims in Peshawar, Pakistan
IF YOU TAKE A RANDOM SAMPLE OF MUSLIMS FROM ANY GATHERING AND ASK THEM THE VARIOUS PEACEFUL ALTERNATIVES THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF TO DEAL WITH DIFFERENCE OF OPINION OR CONFLICT, WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THEIR RESPONSE?
HAS THE ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP EMPHASIZED TO THEM THAT ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE AND THAT ALL MUSLIMS HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO DO THEIR BEST TO PRACTICALLY IMPLEMENT THE CONCEPT OF PEACE?
IS IT TRUE THAT NOBODY IS BORN WITH AN INBUILT SYSTEM OF HAVING PEACEFUL SKILLS TO DEAL WITH CONFLICT AND THAT IT IS A LEARNED SKILL?
IS NOT HAVING DIFFERENCE OF OPINION WHETHER BETWEEN HUSBAND-WIFE, SIBLINGS, FAMILY MEMBERS, BOARD MEMBERS OF ISLAMIC CENTERS, OR MEMBERS OF A COMMUNITY IS THE MOST NATURAL EXPECTED OUTCOME DURING SOCIAL INTERACTIONS ?
TO WHAT EXTENT, HAS THE UMMAH’S LEADERSHIP THROUGH ITS ISLAMIC INSTITUTIONS REALLY HELPED ITS CONGREGATION OF MUSLIMS TO LEARN AND DEVELOP SUCH PEACEFUL SKILLS TO DEAL WITH DIFFERENCES/CONFLICT WHAT EVER LEVELS THEY MAY BE ?
HAS THE ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP REGULARLY HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING KNOWLEDGE IN ISLAM TO INCLUDE LEARNING THE VAST ARRAY OF CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH DIFFERENCES THAT NATURALLY COMES TO EACH AND EVERY MUSLIM IN THEIR DAY TO DAY LIFE?
IF THEY HAVE NOT, COULD THIS BE ONE OF THE MISSING PIECES TO EXPLAIN WHY VIOLENCE IS SO RAMPANT AMONG MUSLIMS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES BECAUSE THEY LACK THE MUCH NEEDED SKILLS TO DEAL WITH INITIAL DIFFERENCE OF OPINION THAT SILENTLY BUILDS UP ULTIMATELY CULMINATING IN MAJOR CONFLICT RESULTING IN DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES?
IS IT PRACTICAL THAT THE RESPONSES FROM PEOPLE WHEN FACED WITH DIFFERENCE OF OPINION AND CONFLICT BE REPLACED FROM VIOLENCE (RESULTING IN DEATH, MAYHEM AND DESTRUCTION) TO PEACEFUL NONVIOLENT RESPONSES?
WHEN THE GLOBAL UMMAH IN GENERAL HAS NOT DEVELOPED A VAST REPERTOIRE OF TRAINING ITS MUSLIMS BOTH AT THE MACRO AND MICRO LEVEL TO RESPOND TO DIFFERENCES AND CONFLICT IN NON-VIOLENT WAYS, THEN WHAT ELSE DOES YOU EXPECT FROM MUSLIMS WHEN THEY ARE TO CONFRONT SITUATIONS THAT THEY VIEW AS MARKEDLY DIFFERRENT AND CONFLICTUAL?
Police help their colleagues injured in a suicide bombing outside a court in the center of the Pakistani city of Lahore , Pakistan. http://www.msnbc.msn.com
ROLE OF INTOLERANCE:
LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST; IS “INTOLERANCE” THE DRIVING FORCE OF CURRENT MANIA OF SUICIDE BOMBINGS, DEATH OF INNOCENT ONES, MAYHEM AND DESTRUCTION?
Please permit us to frankly contribute our two cents worth:
Sorry to say, but we DO STRONGLY believe that there currently is an element of INTOLERANCE practiced by certain sections of the global Ummah. We would however like to add that such INTOLERANCE is not originating from ISLAM per se, but rather from cultural values that unfortunately have permeated and piggybacked over Islamic values and masquerading as an Islamic value resulting in continued INTOLERANCE.
Islam stands for Peace and Submission to Allah. Almighty Allah has clearly stated in the Holy Quran that “Mankind is but One Community”. When you add both concepts, Islam basically represents PEACE FOR THE SINGLE COMMUNITY OF MANKIND. The last topping on above dual concept is THERE IS NO COMPULSION IN ISLAM, which tragically has been all but ignored by many Muslims including the leaders and laymen alike. Above statement of lack of compulsion (force) gives room for the SINGLE COMMUNITY OF MANKIND to be more tolerant, understanding and respectful of each other’s differences.
By religiously following above three noble gems from Almighty Allah’s commands, the world would be much more peaceful with significantly reduced conflict, bloodshed and mayhem.
Unless the above root cause of absence of conflict resolution skills is addressed, no amount of high-tech military involvement or surge in troop levels or handing over the power to the natives of the country in the form of developing their own sophisticated military program would provide long lasting peace in Iraq and Afghanistan. The same applies to conflict between two groups of Muslims who involve in literal bloodletting amongst themselves.
It is high time that we recognize:
(1) The total vacuum in terms of current absence of learned conflict (alternative dispute) resolution skills among the Muslim Ummah,
(2) Unitedly work to help implement special programs through ISLAMIC SCHOOL OR ISLAMIC PROGRAMS RELATING TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS at the grass root level starting from Islamic Centers/Madrassas and other Islamic Educational Institutions.
In course of time, the positive impact would be felt by one and all both at micro and macro levels. Women would complain of reduced domestic violence, children of reduced parental abuse, reduced number of conflicts between board members of the same Islamic Center, reduced conflicts based on ethnicities/sects and different communities.
Above change should be initiated by Islamic Scholars and implemented by Professionals who are well versed in Islam as well as specialized in Conflict Resolution related issues. They could most efficiently combine the tools that Islam already has in terms of using the concepts of Mashwara, Istikhara, latest KNOWLEDGE pertaining to developing specialized techniques and skills to peacefully respond to difference of opinions originating from several different levels that include but not limited to individual/marital/family/communal/ethnic/sectarian and national. In the western world, many Islamic Centers already have subcommittee named SOCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE. As a committee they could be assigned the task of implementing it under the leadership of Imam.
(www.qbtpl.net)
MASHWARA
Mashwara was encouraged by (1) By Allah’s command in Holy Quran (2) Hadith as practiced in real life by Prophet Rasulullah (SAW) and (3) by Sahaabah (RAA).
Prophet Mohamed (SAW) stated:
“He who resorts to Istikharah will not be at a loss; and he who resorts to Mashwara will never regret”
Holy Quran: Aayah 1:
"And make Mashwara (consult) with them in affairs (of importance). Then when you have firmly decided, have trust on Allah. Verily Allah loves those who have trust (in Him)"
Lessons from this aayah:
1. Rasulullah (saw) was not really in need of the views and consultation of the Sahabah (RAA) because he was educated and taught directly by Allah (Rabbul-Izzat) via the medium of Wahi. Allah Ta'ala could have guided him to the correct decision even without mutual consultation. Yet we find the Quran has instructed even Rasulullah (SAW) to resort to Mashwara with his companions. This alone speaks volumes on the importance of Mashwara.
2. What is the reason for Rasulullah (SAW) consulting and making Mashwara with his companions? In order to emphasize the importance of Mashwara, he practically carried it out and showed them the ways and etiquette of Mashwara. In this manner the importance and method of Mashwara was embedded in the minds of the Sahaba (RAA) and thus this practice gained prominence and priority in the life of the Sahaba and those that followed their ways.
3. Islam has always advocated the policy of adopting the means first and then trusting upon Allah - Tawakkul. "Tie the camel first, and then trust upon Allah." This is the true concept of Tawakkul from Quran and Hadith. It is this same principle as far as Mashwara is concerned; first adopt all the means: Consult, collect all the views and deliberate on the issue at hand from all angles, then take the decision and leave the rest to Allah (Rabbul-Izzat) - thereafter trust on Him alone.
4. Although this aayah is directed to Rasulullah (SAW) in the first instance, it applies to all Muslims in general by way of implication. By directing Rasulullah (SAW) firstly towards this command, the emphasis on this matter is trebled in importance.
5. A very important Hukm (directive) of Mashwara is laid out in this aayah - the final and binding decision lies with the Ameer. (http://asqfish.wordpress.com)
KNOWLEDGE:
MANDATORY ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE: A MUST FOR EVERY MUSLIM:
RELIGIOUS AND SECULAR (NON-RELIGIOUS) KNOWLEDGE:
There are two kinds of knowledge which are very important for a human being.
(a) Secular knowledge (non-religious knowledge) is for day to day problem-solving (WHICH INCLUDE DEALING WITH CONFLICTS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS AS INDICATED ABOVE).
(b) The second type of knowledge is religious knowledge which is meant “for a smooth life on earth and hereafter." Religious knowledge includes knowledge of the Qur'an and the laws of Islam which was the basis for the Muslim way of life.
Holy Quran has several verses inviting man to use his intellect (mind, intelligence), to ponder (think deeply), to reflect, think and to know.
Prophet Mohamed (SAW) stated:
(1) "ATTAINMENT OF KNOWLEDGE IS A MUST FOR EVERY MUSLIM”.
(2) "Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave"
(3) "Verily (truly) the men of knowledge are the inheritors of the Prophets"
(4) "Seek knowledge, even as far as China"
(5) "God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven”
Why not we deeply reflect as to why our beloved Prophet Mohamed (SAW) so overwhelmingly emphasized on seeking knowledge and MANDATED every Muslim to attain knowledge (as indicated above). We all know that the OCEAN OF KNOWLEDGE has no end and is relative to TIME. In fact the Quranic verse of MANKIND IS BUT ONE COMMUNITY IS MORE RELEVANT AND IS PERCEIVED DIFFERENTLY today (in terms of our electronic age -Satellite, TV channels, Cell phones etc) then it was relevant 1400 years ago.
We argue that part of above emphasis on seeking knowledge was for the global ummah to be able to solve contemporary problems utilizing the tools of contemporary knowledge. As a natural extension, one could safely assume that statistically there is greater chance for the global ummah to achieve peace by utilizing a combination of consultation, istikharah and specialized skills of peaceful conflict resolution.
Is there anyone among you who could argue that SEEKING SUCH KNOWLEDGE did not include knowledge pertaining to peaceful conflict resolution techniques and skills? If it is true that Islam is a religion of peace and there is lot of value placed on human life, then IT IS ONLY THROUGH KNOWLEDGE that we could peacefully maneuver our way to peacefully respond to contemporary conflicts/difference of opinions etc without resorting to violence.
In terms of limitations of the above, we acknowledge that the above is NOT THE ONLY SOLUTION but part of a myriad of multiple solutions aimed at reducing bloodshed, mayhem, destruction upon ourselves.
May Allah bless the entire mankind by providing more peace and harmony?
Allah states in the Holy Quran:
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
PART TWO:
Basit H. Ghori, Fleming Island, is retired as Chief of the (U.S) Air Force’s Environmental Department.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/letters_from_readers/2009-12-17
If he was a conscientious objector and had concern going to Afghanistan and Iraq, he should not have joined the military.
When a person signs to join the armed forces, he or she takes an oath to fight domestic and foreign enemies. It does not say if the enemy is a Muslim, Hindu, Jew or a Christian.
Muslims killing Muslims:
Almost every week, suicide bombers are killing innocent Muslims in Pakistan. A Taliban suicide bomber recently attacked a mosque in Pakistan and killed dozens of innocent worshipers, including women and children.
They justify innocent killings as martyrdom. The suicide bombers believe they will go to heaven, rivers of honey and milk will be flowing, and 70 virgins will be waiting for them.
According to the Islamic faith, killing innocent people is wrong and, by any definition, cannot be classified as Jihad or martyrdom.
In the Islamic faith, it is forbidden to kill innocent people, whether they are Muslims, Jews, Christians or Hindus.
The Islamic faith clearly states that killing an innocent human being is just like killing the whole of humanity.
Be loyal to America:
No one forced them to come here, and they are free to leave if they don’t like our system and culture, or won’t offer loyalty to America.
The United States offers freedom of choice and freedom of religion. Most American people are very tolerant, but most Muslims are not.
When I immigrated to the United States some four decades ago, we did not have a mosque and a place of worship.
I openly ask Muslims in the United States and around the world, especially in the Middle East, if they would allow Christians and those of other religions to worship in their mosques.
The answer would be absolutely not.
Islam teaches tolerance toward other religions, but my question is: Are Muslims tolerant?
This message could be delivered during a Friday sermon.
By: Basit H. Ghori, Fleming Island, is retired as chief of the Air Force’s Environmental Dept.
PART THREE:
Who among you is not sick of seeing our innocent brothers and sisters being killed almost every day by suicide bombers? Every single day there are many who overnight become widows and orphans after losing their loved ones. This does not include hundreds of others who become permanently disabled for life with increased medical, economic and family economic hardships.
Why is there such a strong disconnect between what the peaceful religion of Islam really stands for (PEACE through its gems of Holy Quran and Hadith) and the actions of a part of its barbaric minority, who have stabbed the very essence of ISLAMIC UNIVERSAL BROTHERHOOD?
A man injured in Buner suicide bombing being given treatment at Lady Reeding hospital in Peshwar, Pakistan.
The most economical and practical solution to above problems lies within the Ummah. No high-tech American military machine, nor a surge of American or multinational troops is going to be as effective as the less expensive and less destabilizing solutions initiated and implemented by the Muslim Ummah itself.
As with any multinational corporation, national, state or local government, the organization is run by important members who meet together on specific frequency. 1400 plus years ago, Islam already has an inbuilt organizational structure in to meet weekly at least once (Friday) or twice (Friday and weekend) to pray, discuss and work towards community concerns and resolving its issues in whatever limited ways it could. Compared to the initial multipurpose humanitarian reasons of Muslims getting together each week, today in the 21st century, it is primarily been freezed to just speech and Friday prayers except for the “bad guys” who have exploited such get together to pursue their selfish and destruction goals.
Although in this 21st century, the above organizational weekly meeting is still in place, there is a vacuum in terms of GOOD leadership - both at a macro and micro level, resulting in formation of unfortunate literal cults who as a wolf in sheep’s clothing have abused our places of worship by not only finding their easy and soft targets (innocent Muslims) for recruitment but have also used the facility (House of Allah) to start vicious plans that are followed up by subsequent meetings outside the Mosque in various locations with the purpose to create destruction, mayhem and bloodshed which we see almost daily in our news, shockingly including within the Mosque premises itself and during religious ceremonies.
It is high time, that the majority of the Ummah who are moderates (93 percent in the US per Gallup poll) increase their degree of assertiveness and say NO to the extremist elements not just in words but in actions.
It is mind boggling as to why the Imams and other religious leaders are NOT as assertive as they should be to ferociously, vehemently and unequivocally condemn such barbaric violent acts of destruction that has taken a toll of hundreds and thousands of Muslim men, women and children needlessly.
Do they have a soft corner for the suicide bombers? “Oh, well, they are our Muslims brothers after all”. They would never say the above if their own mother, wife, daughter or any family member was blown to pieces by such misled suicide maniacs. Why is this fact not made loud and clear, (especially during the speeches at the Islamic Centers) that the suicide bombers are MISGUIDED CRIMINALS MASKED UNDER THE NAME OF ISLAM.
On a positive note, there are some Imams who have now begun to take baby steps in this direction in terms of openly condemning the suicide bombers, but there is still a long way to go. Many of the suicide bombers are of the delusional belief that they have the support of the Muslim community. The Local Islamic Leadership must make an aggressive effort to make it clear that the suicide bombers are criminals who are bringing not only shame to the Muslim Community but also blatantly violating the universal brotherhood and other peace loving principles of Islam.
Further by making such extremely destructive acts, they not only show their desperation but also make it appear that Islam has no other means of handling DIFFERENCES OF OPINON.
Another major flaw that can be easily corrected is the heavy dose introduction of CONFLICT RESOLUTION SKILLS. Due to past historical-cultural reasons, many of the Muslims have learned to view the world as black or white. They severely lack skills to deal with difference of opinions in a peaceful manner. Resorting to violence, self destruction and destruction of others without seriously attempting to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner is really a SHAME.
Why cannot:
“If you kill one human being, it is as though you killed all human beings. If you save one human being, it is as though, you saved all human beings”.
(b) Suicide bombing and killing of innocents is abhorrent and anti-Islamic practice and the suicide bombing is one of the worst crimes perpetrated by such criminals.
(c) Abusing the House of Allah, to recruit new members for purpose of killing innocents, to plan and set up future meetings is strictly prohibited.
(d) A list of ALL fatwa’s and important statements made by Islamic Scholars and Islamic Organizations pertaining to Suicide bombing and killing of innocents as an anti-Islamic action should be listed below…….
(e) ISLAM HAS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SUICIDE BOMBERS AND IF ANYONE IS FOUND INVOLVING IN SUCH ANTI-ISLAMIC AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, THEY WILL BE REPORTED TO BOTH THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL AUTHORITIES, AND IF FOUND GUILTY, THE UMMAH WOULD BE TOTALLY SUPPORTIVE TO HAVE THEM PUNISHED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.
He then asked the students, if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, Friends and Favorite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, Your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house and car. The sand is everything else --The small stuff.
'If you put the sand into the jar first,’ He continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life...
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner.
There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
'Take care of the golf balls first -- The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled... 'I'm glad you asked'.
It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, There’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend!!
(ED NOTE:
Would there be a consensus among the Muslims that at the present time, too much sand has already been placed inside the Jar making it difficult for the important golf balls to be placed inside.
Many of our global Islamic brothers and sisters would be quick to point out that the golf balls are in terms of practically following the gems of Holy Quran & Hadith, trying to apply the concept of universal brotherhood in practice et.c.
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